Ep. 399: Is Deep Work Still Possible in 2026?

From Deep Questions with Cal Newport by Cal Newport

April 6, 2026 · 1h 4m · Episode 399

About this episode

Cal Newport revisits the principles of deep work a decade after its publication to assess their relevance in 2026.

It’s been a decade since the original publication of DEEP WORK. Do its ideas still hold in 2026? This is the question Cal tackles in today’s episode: reviewing the four major “rules” from his book, reviewing what still holds and what changes he would add. Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3U3sTvo Video from today’s episode:youtube.com/calnewportmedia DEEP DIVE: Is Deep Work Still Possible in 2026? [2:03] INBOX: - Will I lose the ability to write if I use AI? [39:45] - The effects of AI on education [45:30] - Avoiding social media [52:24] WHAT CAL IS UP TO: - What I’ve been doing [53:38] - What I’ve been reading [55:26] Books: Mistborn (Brandon Sanderson) Links: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ Cal’s monthly book directory: bramses.notion.site/059db2641def4a88988b4d2cee4657ba? https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/27/opinion/technology-mental-fitness-cognitive.html Thanks to our Sponsors: https://www.factormeals.com/deep50off…

People in this episode

Host: Cal Newport

Topics covered

deep work
AI in education
social media avoidance
productivity
book review

Keywords

deep work
AI
education
social media
productivity
Cal Newport
Slow Productivity
Brandon Sanderson

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: New York Times

Products: Slow Productivity

Books & works: DEEP WORK